Is masturbation a sin?

[Bookcat]

It’s a grave matter. That means that if it is done with full knowledge and deliberate consent then it is a mortal sin.

If the knowledge or deliberate consent is missing than the culpability is reduced.

Anybody who says “It’s a mortal sin, end of discussion” is making the mistake of assuming that full knowledge and deliberate consent go without saying.

If by “end of discussion” one is referring to culpability - yes that would not be a correct way to go.

If referring to simply the sin itself - removed from consideration of culpability - then yes one can say “suicide is a mortal sin”. Just like one can say the same about other mortals sins (such as the one that was discussed here and the ones the Pope spoke of).

If Steve asks you - hey I am thinking if committing suicide - is that a mortal sin?

One can reply simply - yes that is a mortal sin - do not do it!..(and then of course get them some help etc).

If someone is asking due to the loss of say a family member - one can give reply and bring emphasis to the reality that culpability could have been not fully there for XZY reasons…and also reality that even in the very last moments God could meet the person in ways we do not know etc etc…

 

[Don_Ruggero]

So, what do you say when a friend has a relative who has committed suicide? Suicide is a mortal sin. Do you tell him what the Church teaches, that only God can know the motivation of someone who takes his own life so we leave it up to Him or do you tell him that suicide is a mortal sin and that punishment for mortal sin is hell? Do you *love him to hell *or offer misplaced compassion? After all, the Church is clear but she does say more than what you will allow.

Actually, the catechism is very clear in the entry about masturbation; YOU are the one who disagrees.

As a priest who has passed the majority of my priesthood precisely as an academic…a professor of theology…it is very important to underscore that the people you are interacting with are NOT theologians or even remotely close to having any knowledge.

Actually, I encounter over and over again where these very people make the most fundamental errors that even a student of theology should not make.

They argue with those on the forum who are clergy, theologians, and canonists.

They demonstrate, repeatedly, that they are people not to be trusted when it comes to giving correct answers.

Please bear that in mind. And please regard them with extreme caution.

 

[Rau]

…They argue with those on the forum who are clergy, theologians, and canonists.

It would be a good thing to have the insightful contributions of the well-qualified to improve the quality of the discussion. But there don’t seem to be be many of them around! And some who do declare their qualifications decline to contribute on issues in debate, or worse, suggest to the ordinary forum member the matter “is not something they need to be concerned with”. So, an opportunity is lost.

 

[Bookcat]

It’s a grave matter. That means that if it is done with full knowledge and deliberate consent then it is a mortal sin.

If the knowledge or deliberate consent is missing than the culpability is reduced.

Anybody who says “It’s a mortal sin, end of discussion” is making the mistake of assuming that full knowledge and deliberate consent go without saying.

PS on this post that I responded with:

If by “end of discussion” one is referring to culpability - yes that would not be a correct way to go.

If referring to simply the sin itself - removed from consideration of culpability - then yes one can say “suicide is a mortal sin”. Just like one can say the same about other mortals sins (such as the one that was discussed here and the ones the Pope spoke of).

If Steve asks you - hey I am thinking if committing suicide - is that a mortal sin?

One can reply simply - yes that is a mortal sin - do not do it!..(and then of course get them some help etc).

If someone is asking due to the loss of say a family member - one can give reply and bring emphasis to the reality that culpability could have been not fully there for XZY reasons…and also reality that even in the very last moments God could meet the person in ways we do not know etc etc…

I mentioned how the Pope used the term mortal sin in that way -the objective sense or use of the term - not getting into personal culpability but in discussing the sin itself - “in itself”- in its nature.

I should have provided an example:

“Torturing people is a mortal sin!”

~ Pope Francis (Angelus - June 2014)

“And to Catholics, I say: to torture a person is a mortal sin…”

~ Pope Francis (in an inflight interview)

Again that is referring to the thing itself - the kind of sin. Not getting into what you mentioned above - the culpability (the “committing” of a mortal sin).

(from w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/it.html)

 

[h77750920]

Does this mean I go to hell? I’m a daily masturbator, but I can’t really help it, being in puberty.

 

[Bookcat]

Does this mean I go to hell? I’m a daily masturbator, but I can’t really help it, being in puberty.

Even if one falls into a mortal sin - repent and turn to the mercy of God in love about all things…and get to confession as soon as possible. God desires our salvation…

The fact that a thing “is a mortal sin” (grave sin - same thing) in* itself *does not mean that a person has committed a mortal sin (is guilty of it) necessarily.

It is in this context (talking about guilt) it is better to say “masturbation is a grave matter”.

So one of the three components of committing a mortal sin.

In order though to commit a mortal sin (be seriously guilty) one needs not only grave matter but also full knowledge and deliberate consent. (And there can be things that can interfere with such).

The fact that a person in puberty with ragging hormones of course does not mean that one cannot commit a mortal sin. Teens can commit a mortal sin.

But can there at times be factors that in a particular cases - where the culpability (guilt) is lessened -even to it being the guilt of a venial sin…etc. (though of course even if that is the case one needs to still avoid such…)

The **Catechism **notes about this particular sin:

"To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability. "

The person you need to bring this to is a Priest in Confession – he can help judge your guilt here and help you work against this sin - especially if he is your regular confessor (see the same Priest so he can get to know your soul and can better advise you).(and do not be afraid…it will be nothing new for him to hear…).

In any case - do not give up - know that Jesus* loves you *and waits wants to help you repent any sins and to restore you to life in Confession. He is the Good Shepherd and our Savior.

 

[Bookcat]

D.

In any case - with any sin - let us repent - turn from our sin and turn to the Lord!

"Jesus is called the Lamb: He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Someone might think: but how can a lamb, which is so weak, a weak little lamb, how can it take away so many sins, so much wickedness? With Love. With his meekness. Jesus never ceased being a lamb: meek, good, full of love, close to the little ones, close to the poor. He was there, among the people, healing everyone, teaching, praying. Jesus, so weak, like a lamb. However, he had the strength to take all our sins upon himself, all of them.

“But, Father, you don’t know my life: I have a sin that…, I can’t even carry it with a truck…”.

Many times, when we examine our conscience, we find some there that are truly bad! But he carries them. He came for this: to forgive, to make peace in the world, but first in the heart. Perhaps each one of us feels troubled in his heart, perhaps he experiences darkness in his heart, perhaps he feels a little sad over a fault… He has come to take away all of this, He gives us peace, he forgives everything. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away sin”: he takes away sin, it’s root and all! This is salvation Jesus brings about by his love and his meekness. And in listening to what John the Baptist says, who bears witness to Jesus as the Saviour, our confidence in Jesus should grow. Many times we trust a doctor: it is good, because the doctor is there to cure us; we trust in a person: brothers and sisters can help us. It is good to have this human trust among ourselves. But we forget about trust in the Lord: this is the key to success in life. Trust in the Lord, let us trust in the Lord! “Lord, look at my life: I’m in the dark, I have this struggle, I have this sin…”; everything we have: “Look at this: I trust in you!”. And this is a risk we must take: to trust in Him, and He never disappoints."

~Pope Francis

vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/homilies/2014/documents/papa-francesco_20140119_omelia-parrocchia-sacro-cuore-gesu_en.html

"Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” who goes in search of lost sheep, who knows his sheep and lays down his life for them (cf. Mt 18:12-14; Lk 15:4-7; Jn 10:2-4, 11-18). He is the way, the right path that leads us to life (cf. Jn 14:6), the light that illuminates the dark valley and overcomes all our fears (cf. Jn 1:9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46).

He is the generous host who welcomes us and rescues us from our enemies, preparing for us the table of his body and his blood (cf. Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25); Lk 22:19-20) and the definitive table of the messianic banquet in Heaven (cf. Lk 14:15ff; Rev 3:20; 19:9). He is the Royal Shepherd, king in docility and in forgiveness, enthroned on the glorious wood of the cross (cf. Jn 3:13-15; 12:32; 17:4-5)."

~Pope Benedict XVI

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20111005_en.html

"I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”.[1] The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms…

Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.

Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders.

No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!"

~ Pope Francis

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
EVANGELII GAUDIUM

w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html#I.%E2%80%82A_joy_ever_new,_a_joy_which_is_shared

 

[truetofaith]

Does this mean I go to hell? I’m a daily masturbator, but I can’t really help it, being in puberty.

You must try your best to reject this sin …but get to Confession when you fail.

 

[Tim_D]

Does this mean I go to hell? I’m a daily masturbator, but I can’t really help it, being in puberty.

What it means is to not give into despair. It is a serious sin, so try your best to abstain. If you fail do not think you are hopeless. As previously mentioned, the catechism teaches that there are many conditions that can lessen the culpability of this sin. That, however, does not give one free license to act upon every impulse. Every time you manage to abstain is a victory for you. Focus on the positive, not the negative.

 

[Bookcat]

Does this mean I go to hell? .

Hell happens when one commits a mortal sin - and dies unrepentant. God desires our salvation more than we do -God is love and great is his mercy… let us repent and run to him in trust. Jesus I have fallen - help me you know I love you and I trust in you.

Many Canonized Saints have committed even greater mortal sins in their life - and are now in the glory of heaven! Many many many others have struggled with this same sin you struggle with - and now are free of it - either still on earth now - or are now with God.

Bring the matter to confession with repentance and laying it all before the Priest - he is there not only to hear your confession but to help you - to advise you. Ask his him to or another Priest. A regular confessor can be of great help (finding a Priest that is helpful for you and seeing the same Priest).

When one repents and turns to Jesus in confession - our sins are washed away in his blood. One is given again true life. And grace to start again and Holy Spirit is dwelling within us as a temple… Talk with your Priest.

And Jesus loves you and desires to give you true life - and if you fall again - repent and return again to him - he loves you. Hold fast to him - he is our Hope and our Salvation. It can be a struggle. Do not give up - you can become chaste and get away from this sin and habit.

As Pope Francis noted in the above quotes:

“Trust in the Lord, let us trust in the Lord! “Lord, look at my life: I’m in the dark, I have this struggle, I have this sin…”; everything we have: “Look at this: I trust in you!”. And this is a risk we must take: to trust in Him.”

“Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders.”

“No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will.”

~ Pope Francis

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Does this mean I go to hell? I’m a daily masturbator, but I can’t really help it, being in puberty.

1). The church has a way to help you. The sacrament of confession is something everyone should use. It saves your soul. I don’t like it when people say “next time you go to confession” if you examine your conscience and find yourself in need of help. Get help! ASAP.
2). If ever in your life you find yourself unable to control your will. Aside from spiritual help, you need to seek professional medical or mental health. I’m not speaking of habit here, but rather addiction. Habits can be broken with character and will.

Age appears to have a mitigating factor in the Church. I’m not sure why.

A Church approved catechism called youcat says this,

YOUCAT 409: Is masturbation an offense against love?

Masturbation is an offense against love, because it makes the excitement of sexual pleasure an end in itself and uncouples it from the holistic unfolding of love between a man and a woman. That is why “sex with yourself” is a contradiction in terms. [2352]

The Church does not demonize masturbation, but she warns against trivializing it. In fact many young people and adults are in danger of becoming isolated in their consumption of lewd pictures, films, and Internet services instead of finding love in a personal relationship. Loneliness can lead to a blind alley in which masturbation becomes an addiction. Living by the motto “For sex I do not need anyone; I will have it myself, however and whenever I need it” makes nobody happy.

Bottom line is that it’s something you need to control and master now, before it leads to other harmful things like porn, adultery and abuse

 

[Bookcat]

Catholic Answers Staff Apologist Priest:

catholic.com/qa/is-masturbation-a-grave-sin

 

[Bookcat]

Age does not per se mean sin is necessarily mitigated - the Priest confessor can make a judgment in a particular person case (though of course even if at times guilt is lessened - that does not make it ok).

 

[Bookcat]

Catholic Answers Staff Apologist Priest:

catholic.com/qa/is-masturbation-a-grave-sin

 

[Tim_D]

Catholic Answers Staff Apologist Priest:

catholic.com/qa/is-masturbation-a-grave-sin

A totally unsatisfying answer. That’s like telling an alcoholic that plenty of people manage to abstain from alcohol abuse, so you should, too. It does not factor in the individual. The priests mentioned were speaking from experience and the real world, not the scholasticism of the catechism.

 

[Tim_D]

2). If ever in your life you find yourself unable to control your will.

There is a word for the act of people giving in to temptation; it is called sin. Surely, you aren’t going to tell us that you never give into things that are contrary to your will?

 

[Tim_D]

Age does not per se mean sin is necessarily mitigated - the Priest confessor can make a judgment in a particular person case (though of course even if at times guilt is lessened - that does not make it ok).

I think you’ve mentioned as much before.

Serious question: You speak of your wife and kids so I know you can’t be a priest, nor or you probably a religious. Are you a bonafide theologian? I’m just curious from what position you dispense your pronouncements on theological issues.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

There is a word for the act of people giving in to temptation; it is called sin. Surely, you aren’t going to tell us that you never give into things that are contrary to your will?

Tim, what I was speaking of is a type of addiction many people can claim to have. There is a distinction between habit and addiction.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I think you’ve mentioned as much before.

Serious question: You speak of your wife and kids so I know you can’t be a priest, nor or you probably a religious. Are you a bonafide theologian? I’m just curious from what position you dispense your pronouncements on theological issues.

It doesn’t matter Tim.
A young person posted about a sin that is talked about a lot on the boards, I think delving into deeper theology couldhave a place on another thread. I’m utterly confused as to your position.

 

[Tim_D]

It doesn’t matter Tim.
A young person posted about a sin that is talked about a lot on the boards, I think delving into deeper theology couldhave a place on another thread. I’m utterly confused as to your position.

Sure it matters. When someone hides behind a moniker on an anonymous discussion board dispensing what they claim to be the unadulterated teachings of the Church, then they should have something to back that up. Why that confuses you, frankly, confuses me.